Question

Name two main sources of nuclear radiations. How are these radiations harmful?

Answer 1

Nuclear radiation consists of particles and photons that are emitted during reactions that involve the nucleus of an atom. Nuclear radiations consist of gamma rays, x-rays and some of the portion of electromagnetic radiations that are very energetic. Here, we will first define the nuclear radiation, then we will discuss two main sources of nuclear radiations.

Complete answer:
Nuclear radiation consists of particles and photons that are emitted during reactions that involve the nucleus of an atom. Nuclear radiation is also called ionizing radiation. Nuclear radiations consist of gamma rays, x-rays and some of the portion of electromagnetic radiations that are very energetic.Nuclear reactions also releases nuclear radiations that consists of ionizing subatomic particles that are alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, muons, mesons, positrons and cosmic rays. Now, the two main sources of nuclear radiations are cosmic radiations and terrestrial radiations that are discussed below.

Cosmic radiations:- cosmic radiation mostly consists of protons, but it can also contain other particles or wave energy. Some ionizing radiations will penetrate the atmosphere of earth and can be absorbed by humans, that results in the exposure of natural radiations. In this way, these radiations can be harmful.

Terrestrial radiations:- Terrestrial radiations are the radiations in which the major source of the radiations are the composition of the Earth’s crust. In these radiations, the main contributors are the natural deposits of uranium, potassium and thorium that decays in the natural process. These contributors will release a small amount of ionizing radiations.Traces of these minerals can also be found in the building materials, therefore, the exposure of these minerals to natural radiations can occur indoor as well as outdoors. In this way, it can be harmful.

Note: Cosmic radiations are harmful because when they are absorbed by humans that can lead to toxins in the human body. Also, in case of terrestrial radiations, when the minerals will combine with natural radiations, it will form the reaction that will result into the harmful radiations.